In February 2025, three distinguished individuals connected with the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust received the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal. The recipients include the Trust’s CEO Susan Walmer, as well as board member Dr. Isobel Ralston and her husband Dr. Jan Oudenes. These individuals are being recognized for their work protecting ecologically significant lands across the Oak Ridges Moraine and beyond.
The King Charles III’s Coronation Medal marks the coronation of King Charles III as the King of Canada and is awarded to Canadians who have made notable contributions to their country, province, territory, region, or community. A total of 30,000 medals will be presented across Canada. King Charles is a strong advocate for conservation and has a long history of supporting environmental causes.
Jan and Isobel are co-founders of MapleCross which is instrumental in the protection of ecologically significant land by supporting the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust and many other Land Trusts across Canada. “With the ongoing support of MapleCross, the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust has protected significant ecosystems, restoration projects for species-at-risk and increased capacity,” says Mike Charles, Board Chair.
Susan Walmer has dedicated over 30 years to the preservation of the Oak Ridges Moraine. A respected leader within Ontario’s Land Trust community, Susan has served as the ORMLT's CEO since 2008. A passionate advocate for conservation, she has devoted much of her life to safeguarding important habitats throughout the region.
"It’s wonderful to see Susan receive this well-deserved recognition," says Vice Board Chair Patricia Short Galle. "She has been a tireless champion of biodiversity, continuously standing against threats like development, urban sprawl, and climate change."
The medals were awarded by Leah Taylor-Roy, Member of Parliament for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, during a ceremony on Sunday, February 9th, at the Aurora Armory.
Congratulations to Susan, Isobel, and Jan for this remarkable honor.
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